CHAPTER NINETY–ONE–What Will the Darkness Reveal?
Laura McKenna swirled the wine in her glass, watching the deep red liquid eling to the sides before settling back into a crimson pool. The penthouse apartment in Long Island, a gift from Ryan, felt cavernous and empty. Two weeks had passed since the disastrous wedding, and the silence in the wake of that chaos was deatening.
She took a long sip, savoring the rich flavor on her tongue. Her phone lay face–down on the coffee table, its screen dark and silent. No
calls, no texts, no news.
“Where the bell are you, Ryan?” she muttered, setting the glass down with a soft clink.
Laura stood, stretching her arms above her head as she padded over to the floor–to–ceiling windows. The Long Island skyline sprawled before her, twinkling in the twilight. Somewhere out there, Ryan Callis was… what? Hiding? Licking his wounds? Planning his next move?
She pressed her forehead against the cool glass, closing her eyes. The memory of that day still felt raw. Julia, resplendent in white, turning on her heel and fleeing the church. Ryan’s face, a mask of shock and confusion. And Laura, caught between sympathy for her friend and a treacherous flicker of hope she couldn’t quite extinguish.
Her phone buzzed, startling her from her reverie. Laura practically lunged for it, heart pounding. But it was just a text from Jessie.
“Any word?” her roommate asked.
Laura typed back a quick “Nothing yet” before tossing the phone aside with a frustrated groan.
The Sivarra Tech office had been closed since the wedding fasco, all employees on paid leave. It was a generous gesture, but Laura found herself craving the structure of work, the distraction it would provide from her growing worry.
She drained the last of her wine and set the glass in the sink. Sleep wouldn’t come easy, but she had to try. Tomorrow, she’d start searching in earnest. Ryan Callis might not want to be found, but Laura McKenna wasn’t one to give up easily.
The next morning dawned bright and clear, a stark contrast to Laura’s mood. She dressed with purpose, opting for comfortable shoes and clothes that wouldn’t draw attention. As she stepped out of her building, the doorman gave her a sympathetic nod.
“Still no word from Mr. Callis, Ms. McKenna?”
Laura shook her head. “Not yet, Frank. But I’m working on it.”
Her first stop was Le Bernardin, Ryan’s favorite restaurant. The maître d‘ recognized her immediately, his face lighting up
“Ms. McKenna! What a pleasure. Is Mr. Callis joining you today?”
Laura forced a smile. “Actually, I was hoping you might have seen him recently. Has he been in?”
The man’s expression fell. “I’m sorry, but no. We haven’t seen Mr. Callis since… well, since before the wedding. Is everything alright?”
“Just checking in on him,” Laura said smoothly. “Thanks for your help.”
As she left, she overheard whispers from nearby diners. “Isn’t that Ryan Callis’s assistant?” “The one from the wedding?” She quickened her pace, ducking her head.
Central Park was next on her list. Ryan was an avid runner, often hitting the trails before dawn Laura found herself on the familiar path, scanning faces and trying not to look like she was stalking anyone.
After an hour of fruitless searching, she collapsed onto a bench, frustration mounting. A jogger slowed as he passed, giving her a
curious look.
“You okay?” he asked, pausing mid–stride.
Laura nodded, waving him off. “Just catching my breath.”
As the man jogged away, Laura’s phone buzzed. For a heart–stopping moment, she thought it might be Ryan. But it v
of her coworKPTE
“Hey Laura,” Zaya’s text read. “Any updates on the boss man? The rumor mill is going crazy.”
Laura sighed, typing back a quick response. “Nothing concrete. I’ll let you know if I hear anything.”
Zaya Patel, one
She pocketed her phone and stood, stretching her tired muscles. The gym was next on her list. Ryan was religious about his workouts, and if he was trying to blow off steam, it was as good a place as any to look.
The high–end fitness center was bustling with activity when Laura arrived. She approached the front desk, flashing her most
CHAPTER NINETY–ONE–What Will the Darkness
charming smile at the receptionist.
“Hi there,” she said. “I’m loolding for Ryan Callis. Has he been in recently?”
The young man at the desk frowned, recognition dawning in his eyes. “I’m sorry, but we can’t disclose information about our members.
Laura Jeaned in, lowering her voice. “Look, I work for him. I’m just trying to make sure he’s okay.”
The receptionist’s resolve wavered. He glanced around before whispering, “He hasn’t been in for over two weeks. That’s all I can say.”
Laura nodded her thanks and turned to leave. As she pushed through the gym doors, she nearly collided with a reporter clutching a
notebook
“Ms. McKenna!” the woman exclaimed. “Any comment on Ryan Callis’s disappearance?
Laura’s heart raced. “No comment,” she managed, pushing past the reporter and hurrying down the street. She ducked into a nearby coffee shop, ordering a latte to calm her nerves.
As she waited for her drink, Laura’s phone buzzed again. This time, it was Tim Brooks, Ryan’s best man from the wedding.
“Meet me at Sivarra HQ,” the text read. “ASAP”
Laura grabbed her latte and hailed a cab, her mind racing Had Tim found something? Or was this just another dead end in an increasingly frustrating search?
The towering glass edifice of Sivarra Tech’s headquarters loomed before her as the cab pulled up. Laura paid the driver and hurried inside, flashing her ID badge at security.
She found Tim pacing in the lobby, his usually impeccable suit slightly rumpled. He looked up as she approached, relief washing over
his features.
“Laura, thank God,” he said, running a hand through his hair. “Have you heard anything?”
She shook her head, “Nothing. I’ve been all over the city, Tim. It’s like he’s vanished.”
Tim nodded grimly. “I’ve been calling every contact I have. No one’s seen or heard from him since the wedding.”
They moved to a quiet corner of the lobby, away from curious ears. Laura sipped her cooling latte, trying to gather her thoughts.
“What do we do now?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Tim pulled out his phone, scrolling through a list. “I’ve got some ideas. Places Ryan might go to lay low. We should split up, cover more ground.”
Laura nodded, setting her empty cup aside. “Okay, let’s do it. What’s first on your list?”
“His family’s summer house in the Hamptons,” Tim said. “It’s secluded, private. Perfect for avoiding the media circus.”
“Good thinking,” Laura agreed. “What about his apartment in Manhattan? Has anyone checked there?”
Tim shook his head. “The doorman says he hasn’t seen Ryan, but we could try again. Maybe he’ll be more forthcoming with you.”
They spent the next hour creating a comprehensive list of potential hideouts, dividing the locations between them. As they worked, Laura couldn’t help but feel a mix of determination and dread. What if they found Ryan, only to discover he didn’t want to be found?
“Laura,“Tim said softly, interrupting her thoughts. “We’re going to find him. Ryan’s tough, but he needs us right now, even if he doesn’t realize it.”
She nodded, forcing a smile. “You’re right. Let’s get to work.”
As they left the building, a small crowd of reporters had gathered. Cameras flashed as Laura and Tim emerged, questions flying at
them from all directions.
“Mr. Brooks! Ms. Mckenna! Any word on Ryan Callis?”
“Is it true he’s fled the country?”
“Has Sivarra Tech been in contact with Mr. Gallis?
Tim stepped forward, his volce calm and authoritative. “Ryan Callis is taking some well–deserved time off after recent events. Sivarra Tech continues to operate under the guidance of our experienced executive team. We ask that you respect Mr. Callis’s privacy during this time. Thank you ”
He ushered Laura towards a waiting car, shielding her from the barrage of questions. As they slid into the backseat, Laura let out a
CHAPTER NINETY–ONE- What Will the Darkness Reveal?
shaky breath
“That was intense,” she muttered.
Tim nodded, loosening his tie. “Welcome to the circus. It’s only going to get worse the longer Ryan’s MIA.”
